Gastro illnesses make a return

Summer simmers: Infectious hepatitis E and A on the rise

Consultant Internal Medicine, Apollo Hospital, Dr Raveeva Mogar said, “There is a rise in the number of gastroenteritis cases in the City. We had plenty of cases last summer.”

Since March, Dr Mogar has received at least 15 cases of gastroenteritis and about four cases of infectious hepatitis ‘E’ and ‘A’. As for the latter, the severity of the disease was not as much as other viral hepatitis strains like hepatitis ‘B’ or ‘C’ that are chronic. Contaminated water and food leads to gastroenteritis and hepatitis ‘E’ or ‘A.’

Dr Ashok from St Theresa’s Hospital said he had also received about 20 cases in the last one month. A majority of the patients with gastroenteritis showed symptoms like vomiting, loose stools and abdominal pain.

Manipal Hospital too has  seen a rise in the gastroenteritis cases last month. “Only 10 per cent of the patients require hospitalisation, as most of the cases are mild to moderate,” said Dr Sanjiv Rao, Consultant Internal Medicine, Manipal Hospital.

Severe cases that lead to dehydration could result in acute renal failure, said Dr Sanjay Kulkarni of MS Ramaiah Memorial Hospital. “Many require at least two days of hospitalisation. Since adults show a mixed infection of bacterial and amoeba, we administer fluids and antibiotics to the patients,” he said.

While adequate hydration should be ensured to patients at home, they should also visit the doctor, he said.

Dr Kulkarni has seen about 15 patients last month and about 10 patients already, this month.

Doctors unanimously agree the need for hygienic practices while eating and drinking.
 “People should eat hot and cooked food. The easiest way to be affected by gastroenteritis is by consuming juices, lassi, raw vegetables and salads,” said Dr Rao.